Hungarian Lecso

"This is a traditional Hungarian vegetable and meat dish that has been 'Americanized' into a thick stew. My grandmother used to make this for me. This is the easiest recipe to make, even if you're not a good cook! It has quick preparation time and it is liked by everyone who tries it!"

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat cook potatoes in butter with garlic, stirring frequently, not allowing garlic to burn. Stir in onion, bell pepper, sausage, tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, paprika and water. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just tender, 20 to 30 minutes.

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jul 13, 2003

This is a dish my mom used to make in Poland. She did not use the potatoes and used 3 colour pepper (yellow,, red and green) then served it warm with black rye bread and butter.
I like this variation and so do my kids. Easy and fast to prepare.

Most Helpful Critical Review

Jan 22, 2005

The recipe might be very good, but unfortunately doesn't fit the name. Being a Hungarian, I've been born and raised on this food, and this recipe is more likely to be called paprika potatoes. Lecso never has any potatoes nor spaghetti sauce in it, you might stir in eggs or rice for additional thickness. Sadly a very altered recipe, far from original!

It is quite a good recipe. I have to protest though; it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the real Hungarian lecsó, which is a completely differnt dish. It has many variations in Hungary, but NONE with potatoe and garlic!!! ( I recommend a look into a Hungarian cook book!)

This was FANTASTIC! A soup that eats like a meal. I got stuck with Idaho potatoes instead of new potatoes but they tasted good too. I didn't have any fresh garlic. I didn't cook it for very long so the vegetable were a little firm which made it seem like a meal. Ymmmy! I'll definitely make it again.

Ever have the most perfect recipe come up when using the ingredient search? This is mine... Overall very good - it did need salt and pepper though and a little longer to cook to blend flavors and to soften the poatoes. Very hearty and healthy (used chicken sausage) on a cold evening! Thanks for sharing! Oh and PS for everyone who gave it bad reviews saying it's not authentic... the submitter never claims it's authentic - they say it's been "americanized" meaning adapted. I appreciate this interpretation!

The is-it-or-isn't-it-traditional-Lecso reviews didn't affect my taste buds, as I didn't have anything to compare this recipe too. (I had the ingredients on hand and wanted an easy crock meal for a chilly night.) I don't think my following changes would affect the integrity of the original recipe. I browned the smoked sausage in a little EVOO w/ the garlic, onion, and bell peppers, and then dumped everything in the crock pot for 8 hrs on low. I used about 2 c. of homemade spaghetti sauce and 1 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes w/ jalapenos for some extra kick. (Truth by told, I can't recall ever seeing stewed tomatoes packed in a mere 8 oz. can.) It was the perfect consistency for dragging hunks of french bread through.

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.